Small communities across the NSW southern region are facing critical challenges that require creative ideas and solutions.
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There is a significant lack of access to information and services, and people feel isolated.
This became evident through community conversations SSI Ability Links held in Bigga earlier in the year.
For this reason, the SSI Ability Links Southern team organised an art workshop to help build capacity and increase inclusivity and social connections of the community in Bigga.
Artist Barbara Nell ran the workshop and created an inclusive space where all people from the community can come to form social networks, increase their knowledge in art and develop skills for life.
Some of the great outcomes of the workshop were that it became an opportunity to give voice to a group of all ages.
Maddy, a 21-year-old woman, said: “There is not much to do for me here. I cannot get access to most places because they are not wheelchair accessible.”
Another community member said that “the main challenge we face is transport, and the only way we can get transport is if we get numbers”.
“Community transport used to be fortnightly but because of the lack of staff, it became monthly,” the community member said.
“That’s why we cannot make plans. These challenges are greater than we can handle.”
The class has had much positive feedback from the community, including one saying “it was a lovely class and I look forward to the next one”. The final session was August 14.
Video
A video that summarises a wonderful morning of art and social interaction:
About SSI Ability Links NSW
Ability Links NSW (ALNSW) is a program created by the NSW government to support people with disability, their families and carers to live the life they want as valued and equal members of their community.
It uses a flexible and creative approach to tap into people’s unique potential, and helps to promote genuine inclusion and opportunities within communities to drive real change.
ALNSW also assists community organisations and businesses to be more inclusive.
SSI is a community organisation and social business that supports newcomers and other Australians to achieve their full potential. SSI is an Ability Links provider in the Bigga area.
